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Purse

Purse

  • Place of origin:

    France (made)

  • Date:

    1600-1699 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Embroidered velvet with metal thread, lined with silk

  • Museum number:

    4062-1856

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

Purses are also associated with the lighter side of life in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, in particular with gambling and cards, which was enjoyed by both men and women. Gaming purses were specifically functional. Made with a circular, stiffened base, the gathered sides were formed from a narrow circle of cloth such as velvet, which released to form an open container for coins or gaming chips; many were mongrammed to ensure that takings were claimed by their rightful owners.

Physical description

Green velvet tasselled drawstring purse or gaming bag, embroidered with gold and silver thread. Lined with gold coloured silk. On the bottom is a coronet and two shields of arms.

Place of Origin

France (made)

Date

1600-1699 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Embroidered velvet with metal thread, lined with silk

Dimensions

Height: 3 in, Diameter: 4.25 in

Descriptive line

Purse or gaming bag of embroidered velvet with metal thread, France, 1600-1699

Materials

Velvet; Metal thread; Silk

Categories

Embroidery; Games; Clothing; Textiles; Accessories; Europeana Fashion Project

Collection

Textiles and Fashion Collection

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